Solar panels last 25 to 30 years or more. They don’t stop working at the end of that period. They slowly produce a little less power each year. Research from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) found that panels lose a median of about 0.5% of their output per year. At that rate, a panel still produces about 90% of its original output after 20 years.

The rest of a solar system has different lifespans. Inverters usually need replacing sooner than panels. Racking and wiring, if installed well, last as long as the panels.

This guide explains how long each part lasts, what warranties cover, how weather affects panels, and how to get the longest life from a system.

Solar panels don’t wear out on a set date

A common misunderstanding is that a 25-year warranty means panels die at year 25. That’s not how it works.

Panels have no moving parts. They degrade slowly as the materials age under sunlight, heat, and weather. Most of that decline is gradual and predictable. A well-made panel at year 25 or 30 is usually still producing most of its original power.

The warranty period marks how long the manufacturer guarantees a minimum output, not how long the panel will work.

Solar panel degradation rate

Degradation is the gradual loss of output over time. NREL reviewed about 2,000 measured degradation rates from studies around the world. The median was 0.5% per year. A smaller group of lower-quality products raised the average to 0.8% per year.

Here’s what a 0.5% annual degradation rate looks like over time:

A few things affect how fast a panel degrades:

• Panel quality and technology. Many newer panels are rated to degrade more slowly than 0.5% a year.

• Climate. NREL notes that degradation can be higher in hotter climates and for rooftop systems, which run hotter than ground-mounted arrays.

• Installation quality. Poor handling, wiring, or mounting can damage panels and speed up decline.

Panels also usually lose a small amount of output in the first year as they settle in. Manufacturers account for this in their warranties.

What solar panel warranties cover

Most panels come with two separate warranties.

Product warranty. This covers defects in materials and manufacturing. Terms vary by manufacturer, from about 10 to 12 years on some lower-cost panels to 25 years or more on premium panels.

Performance warranty. This guarantees that a panel will produce at least a certain share of its rated output over time. Many premium panels now guarantee around 87% or more of rated output after 25 to 30 years.

When comparing panels, look at:

• The length of both warranties, not just one

• The guaranteed output at the end of the performance warranty

• Whether the warranty is linear, meaning it guarantees a steady, gradual decline

• Whether labor and shipping for replacements are covered

• Whether the manufacturer is likely to be around to honor the warranty

Your installer should also provide a workmanship warranty that covers the installation itself.

How long solar inverters last

The inverter converts the direct current (DC) power from the panels into the alternating current (AC) power your building uses. Inverters have electronic components that age faster than panels, so they usually need replacing at least once during a system’s life.

An analysis by kWh Analytics found that about 80% of solar system failures happen at the inverter. That’s one reason inverter choice, placement, and ventilation matter. Plan for an inverter replacement in your long-term budget, especially with string inverters.

How long racking, wiring, and batteries last

Racking. Aluminum and galvanized steel racking, installed correctly, is designed to last as long as the panels. In coastal areas, corrosion-resistant materials and hardware matter more because of salt air.

Wiring and connectors. Properly rated wiring and connectors should last the life of the system. Loose or poorly made connections are a common source of problems, so installation quality matters.

Batteries. Batteries have shorter lifespans than panels and are usually warrantied for about 10 years or a set number of cycles. Many battery systems need replacement once during a solar system’s life. We cover batteries in more detail in our guide to whether a home battery is worth it in New England.

Do solar panels hold up in New England weather?

New England weather is hard on buildings, but solar panels are built for it.

Snow. Panels are tested to hold heavy snow loads. Snow on the panels pauses production until it slides or melts off. Because panels are dark and tilted, snow often clears faster from them than from the rest of the roof. In most cases, it’s best to let snow slide off on its own rather than climbing on the roof to clear it.

Cold. Solar panels actually work more efficiently in cold temperatures. Heat, not cold, reduces panel efficiency.

Wind. Systems are designed and attached to meet local wind load requirements. Coastal and exposed sites need engineering for higher wind speeds.

Salt air. Near the coast, salt can corrode metal parts over time. Corrosion-resistant racking and hardware help.

Hail. Most panels are tested to withstand hail impact. Severe hail is less common in New England than in other parts of the country.

NREL research suggests panels in cooler climates tend to degrade more slowly than in hot climates. New England’s long winters and mild summers are not a disadvantage for panel life.

Plan solar around your roof

Solar panels can last longer than many roofs. If your roof has fewer than 10 to 15 years of life left, it usually makes sense to replace it before installing solar. Removing and reinstalling panels later to fix a roof adds cost.

For new construction, this is easy to plan. In a new custom home, the roof and solar are designed together, so both have a long life ahead.

How to make a solar system last longer

• Choose quality equipment with strong product and performance warranties.

• Work with an experienced installer who follows manufacturer instructions and local codes.

• Monitor production. Most systems include monitoring that shows if output drops unexpectedly.

• Schedule periodic inspections. A professional check every few years can catch loose connections, damaged wiring, or corrosion.

• Keep vents clear around inverters so they don’t overheat.

• Trim trees that start to shade the array.

• Don’t pressure-wash or walk on panels. In New England, rain and snow usually keep panels clean enough.

What happens when panels reach the end of their life

Eventually, panels are replaced, either because output has declined or because newer panels offer much more output in the same space. Old panels can be reused, resold, or recycled. We explain the options in our guide to what happens to solar panels at the end of their life.

The bottom line

A quality solar system can produce power for 25 to 30 years or more. Panels lose about half a percent of output per year on average. Inverters usually need replacing once, and batteries may too. With good equipment and installation, solar is a long-term asset for a home or business in New England.

Frequently asked questions

How long do solar panels last? Solar panels usually last 25 to 30 years or more. They slowly lose output over time rather than stopping on a set date.

How much power do solar panels lose each year? NREL found a median degradation rate of about 0.5% per year. At that rate, a panel produces about 90% of its original output after 20 years.

Do solar panels stop working after 25 years? No. The warranty may end, but the panels keep producing power at a gradually lower level.

How long do solar inverters last? String inverters usually last about 10 to 15 years. Microinverters can last up to about 25 years.

Do solar panels work in snow and cold? Yes. Snow pauses production until it slides off, but cold temperatures actually help panels work more efficiently.

Should I replace my roof before installing solar? If your roof has fewer than 10 to 15 years of life left, replacing it first is usually the better choice.